Rhode Island health officials say several children are being tested for a respiratory infection that is suspected of sickening dozens of boys and girls in at least 12 other states

Published Sep 15, 2014 at 2:03 PM

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Rhode Island health officials say several children are being tested for a respiratory infection that is suspected of sickening dozens of boys and girls in at least 12 other states.

WJAR-TV reports that the state Department of Health says it has seen an increase in children with respiratory infections.

They are looking at whether the children are infected with enterovirus 68, which has caused serious illnesses in other states. Officials have not yet confirmed that anyone in Rhode Island has the virus.

The virus can cause mild cold-like symptoms, but it can also lead to serious breathing problems, especially for children with asthma.